Committed to freedom of faith, respect to all religions: Highlights of PM Modi's speech

New Delhi, Feb 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, strongly asserted that his government's commitment to ensure equal respect to all religions in India. He was addressing the national celebration function of the elevation to Sainthood of Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Mother Euphrasia at Vigyan Bhawan.

Following are some important points from his speech:

• He said his government "gives equal respect to all religions".
• The government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence.
• The government will not allow any religious group, belonging to the majority or the minority, to incite hatred against others, overtly or covertly.
• The government gives equal respect to all religions.
• Issuing stern warning to fringe elements, Modi said, "We cannot accept violence against any religion on any pretext and I strongly condemn such violence. My government will act strongly in this regard.
• Noting that the world is increasingly witnessing division and hostility on religious lines and the issue has become a matter of global concern, the Prime Minister said the ancient Indian plea of mutual respect for all faiths is now beginning to manifest in global discourse.
• Invoking Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, Modi said that equal respect for all religions must be in the DNA of every Indian.
• The world is increasingly witnessing division and hostility on religious lines. This has become a matter of global concern.
• As Swami Vivekananda said- We believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true.

OneIndia News